Open Letter to Congresswoman MARIA ANTONIA ALVES

We know that, given the government’s organizational structure and the appointment of Clóvis Silva to serve as Minister of Justice, President of the Council of Ministers, and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Media, your rise to the position of Member of Parliament comes naturally, as the second candidate on the PAICV list for the Brava electoral district. With this transition, you now bear the noble responsibility of continuing and fully upholding the campaign promises outlined by the lead candidate.

We know that your journey in active politics is still recent, but we also know of your courage, dedication, and determination. The island of Brava does not need complicit silence; it needs, today more than ever, energetic, fearless, and unyielding voices in the National Assembly.

Having been elected on the list of the party that now governs Cape Verde, the great challenge that history and the people of Brava present to you is to know how to put the island above any partisan interest. We hope that, whenever necessary, she will know how to free herself from the shackles and rigidity of parliamentary group discipline to put the uncompromising defense of our land first. Serving as a national representative for the ruling party should not mean subservience, but rather an increased opportunity to ensure that Brava’s voice is heard at the heart of decision-making.

Your Excellency assumes this mandate at a time when Brava is suffocating under postponed promises. You know, as well as or better than we do, the weight of the isolation that plagues us. For far too many years now, living in Brava has been an act of daily resistance.

• The Scourge of Isolation: We cannot continue to be at the mercy of inadequate and unpredictable maritime connections. Isolation is not just a geographical barrier; it is a barrier to development, which drives up the cost of living, stifles commerce, and deters private investment.

• The Healthcare Crisis: Our aging population and our children suffer from a lack of specialized healthcare. Medical evacuation to Fogo or Praia remains a game of Russian roulette where lives are put at risk due to a lack of basic conditions and a decent healthcare infrastructure.

• Water and Infrastructure: Consuming water with excessive fluoride is a silent threat to the public health of Brava’s residents. The lack of paved, modern roads isolates the island’s interior, cutting off entire towns and limiting the agricultural and tourism potential that Brava proudly possesses.

Brava isn’t asking for handouts, Congresswoman. Brava demands territorial justice.

The 10-Point Commitment

Your mission, as understood by the citizens you will represent, will be to firmly demand that the government led by Francisco de Carvalho fully comply with the 10 points agreed upon with our island, namely:

1. Stable Maritime Connection: The guarantee of a ship staying overnight in the Port of Furna, ensuring daily and predictable trips to the island of Fogo.

2. Health: The construction and proper equipping of the new Brava Health Center, a vital and urgent infrastructure project.

3. Water Quality: The immediate removal of fluoride from the water consumed by the population, ensuring safe and potable water.

4. Road Infrastructure: The permanent paving of the road connecting Nova Sintra to Nossa Senhora do Monte and Cachaço, bringing the communities closer together.

5. Economic Sector: Positive discrimination in favor of local entrepreneurs and the diaspora to attract investment and create jobs on the island.

6. Local Development: A strong technical and financial commitment to the primary sector (agriculture, livestock, and fishing).

7. Social Housing: The urgent and transparent implementation of the housing rehabilitation program for the most vulnerable families.

8. Training and Employment: The creation of an IEFP office on Brava Island, restoring a future and hope to our young people so they do not have to emigrate due to a lack of opportunities.

9. Water Resources: The effective management of water resources and substantial investment in desalination for consumption and to support production.

10. Sovereignty and Cohesion: Promoting true territorial cohesion and strengthening government on the island by decentralizing services.

"The success of your term in office will not be measured by the applause you receive in parliament, but rather by the real impact these ten goals have on the lives of every resident of Brava."

By fulfilling these goals and demonstrating your commitment to the people of Furna, Nova Sintra, Nossa Senhora do Monte, and every corner of Brava, your time in the National Assembly will be remembered as a historic turning point.

We wish you the very best of luck, wisdom, courage, and a successful term in office. Brava will be watching, supporting sound decisions, and holding you accountable for the commitments you have made.

Thank you, and keep up the good work.

Pawtucket, July 3, 2026

Moises Santiago